Electric vehicles are an essential part of the green technology future. They are powered by electricity, so there are no direct carbon emissions.
However, on the other side of the EV equation are energy producers. EVs still create indirect emissions if the electricity comes from coal or natural gas. Additionally, issues associated with an increased load on the grid pose a different set of concerns that demands significant investments in grid modernisation. One way to combat this is by combining electric vehicles with residential solar panels. Still, zero emissions make EVs a better option.
All-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged in to a wall outlet or charging equipment, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Because it runs on electricity, the vehicle emits no exhaust from a tailpipe and does not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. Learn more about electric vehicles.
Compared to an internal combustion engine, battery powered electric vehicles have approximately 99% fewer moving parts that need maintenance.
Advantages of a BEV:
BEVs can be charged at home overnight, providing enough range for average journeys. However, longer journeys or those that require a lot of hill climbs may mean that the fuel cells require charging before you reach your destination, although regenerative braking or driving downhill can help mitigate against this by charging the battery packs.
The typical charging time for an electric car can range from 30 minutes and up to more than 12 hours. This all depends on the speed of the charging station and the size of the battery.
In the real world, range is one of the biggest concerns for electric vehicles, but is something that is being addressed by industry.
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Reference: https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-an-ev
Rather than relying solely on an electric motor, hybrid electric vehicles offer a mixture of battery and petrol (or diesel) power. This makes them better for travelling long distances as you can switch to traditional fuels rather than having to find charge points to top up the battery.
Of course, the same disadvantages that apply to combustion engine vehicles also apply to PHEVs, such as the need for more maintenance, engine noise, emissions and the cost of petrol. PHEVs also have smaller battery packs, which means a reduced range.
TWI has been instrumental in the development of electric vehicles, assisting with light-weighting of the vehicles themselves, helping with joining and welding, mitigating against battery combustion and more.
